Printing
If you are handling all the editing and design yourself you will save all the costs involved; however, you will need to supply us with the files ready for printing.
Files for printing
The file formats we normally work with for the text are:
- print-quality PDF (portable document format) files
- Postscript files
- Microsoft Word files
We can use a print-quality PDF file but the cover will have to be correctly set up with spine size and bleeds, etc. You will need to contact us in advance for this information. More information on files and the creation of PDF and Postscript files can be found in our technical notes.
Bound proof copy
Whether we handle the editing and design or whether you supply the file ready for printing, we will digitally print and bind a single copy and send it to you . It will allow you to see the completed book in all its glory. Although there should not be changes at this stage, corrections can be made before full production if absolutely necessary.
The bound proof copy is free of charge.
If the changes are extensive and another bound proof is necessary, there will be a charge of £20 for this additional proof.
Printing and binding
We can advise you on the appropriate paper and cover board, print methods and binding styles for your book. We can always send you samples of the proposed materials.
How many copies to print?
It is the age old publisher’s dilemma; deciding how many books to print. The cost per book is lower the more copies you print, but it is a false economy to print more copies than you realistically need or expect to sell. You will only have to dispose of the copies you have not sold and you will have paid for them. It is sometimes better to print less books, a number you are confident you will sell. Although the cost per book will be higher, the total print cost will be considerably less! If you do sell all your books you can always repint. We will gladly advice you on realistic print runs.
Colour printing for covers
Covers are usually printed in full colour and finished with a gloss or matt lamination.
Colour or black text pages?
A large number of colour pages in books with small print runs is expensive. If required, a number of colour pages can be printed together. This will keep the cost to a minimum. If required, black and white photographs can be printed together on of different paper, usually silk or gloss. These can be bound anywhere in the book.
Binding styles
We provide a full range of binding styles.
- Perfect binding: also called paperback or square back binding.
- Thread sewing: the book is bound by machine-sewing folded sections together. This is a stronger binding than perfect binding but only suitable for litho-printed books.
- Loose-leaf binding: individual pages are shrink-wrapped, drilled and presented in a ringbinder, ideal for reference and training materials. We can organise the production of ringbinders.
- Wire-o binding: this is useful for reference books, cookery books, manuals and material for photocopying as the pages lay flat. There are variations of this binding style with a printed spine.
Packing and Delivery
Our quotation will include packing into sturdy cartons and delivery to you.
ISBNs and barcodes
It is not essential to have an ISBN, but if you intend to sell through bookshops or on the Internet, it is advisable.
Project Management
York Publishing Services can manage and co-ordinate your complete publishing and printing project: from concept through to the delivery of finished stock. Some clients use our services rather than having their own in-house editorial and production team.
Many publications require non-print items, such as ring-binders, multimedia, specialised product or postal packing. YPS can source and manage the full production.
You do not have to co-ordinate numerous suppliers, just tell us what you want and we will do the rest.
Short run printing of proof copies, before first printing
YPS can help to reduce the risks associated with new publishing. We can print and distribute advance proof copies before you place the high investment first printing.
Response to the advance proofs can be gauged. Amendments and any final errors corrected. You will have valuable information and feedback before deciding the first print quantity.
Please do contact us if you would like to discuss how this service can help you, avoid expensive and errors in your new publishing.